Life jackets mandatory for rock fishers

Rock fishers in Randwick to trial mandatory life jackets from 1 December ahead of proposed safety reforms.

Rock fishers in Randwick will be the first to trial mandatory life jackets, as the NSW Government prepares to introduce legislation to increase safety along the state’s coastline.

Randwick Local Government Area has the highest rate of rock fishing drownings in NSW, with Little Bay and Cape Banks some of the most dangerous locations. Enforcement officers from Randwick Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Primary Industries and the NSW Police Force will warn rock fishers not wearing a life jacket about the rules after December 1 this year.

There will be a 12-month grace period before the law is enforced with a $100 fine.

Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott will introduce the Rock Fishing Safety Bill 2016 into Parliament by 11 November, making it mandatory for people to wear life jackets when rock fishing in the Randwick LGA. The legislation enables other locations to be included after the 12-month trial.

“Rock fishing is one of Australia’s deadliest pastimes, and of the 10 people who died in NSW in 2015-16 not one was wearing a life jacket,” Mr Elliott said.

Earlier this year, a working group was established to determine where the high-risk locations were, using information such as the number of fatalities and near drownings at a site, usage and accessibility. The working group found Randwick to be a high risk area, which led to the NSW Government selecting that location.

A new education campaign targeting culturally and linguistically diverse communities will complement the legislation and will include a dedicated advertising campaign and improved warning signs at rock fishing sites.

Transport for NSW’s Old4New van will visit popular rock fishing areas across the state, including the Coogee area, in spring and summer to offer discounted life jackets. Life jackets that meet the requirements under the new law are available for purchase from around $20.